Every year I choose a word to focus on. A word that can help keep me focused on one area in my life that I need to grow in. If you are not familiar with what this years word might mean it is simply the idea/encouragement from the Bible to “abide” in Christ. I realize more with each passing year that I need Jesus. I need to remain close to His heart so that I may grow in my love for him and others. Just like any relationship, if you want to be close to someone you must listen, talk, spend time and learn more about them. I’m praying I can do that well this year. I’m praying that I will spend more time reading and studying the Bible, praying, listening and watching others who love Jesus well. Here is a passage that talks about this in God’s word:

John 15 {I Am the True Vine}

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-dresser.2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Our holiday season was filled with love, fun, new traditions and old traditions, family time, travels, Disney magic, illness, craziness, snuggles, snow, twinkly lights and the celebration of our ADVENT {the anticipation of the everlasting hope that came through the birth of our sweet Savior Jesus}. The new year was ushered in with complete silence {the entire family was sick and in bed by 7:30 on new years eve}! It was weird but sweet. Here are a few instagram pictures of all the fun!

Hope your January is starting well and that you are excited about the coming year!

We love Fall. I use a hashtag with this phrase {#welovefall} because I truly love it! My family has gotten on board because they don’t’ really have a choice. So when I say “we” it may truly be “me” who loves it.

In light of this love of a season, that comes and goes so quickly, we have enjoyed the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, dressing up as a family for Halloween, Trick-Or-Treating with our neighboors, a Costume Bash with Quest {a ministry of young adults at church that we just LOVE} and school parades and crafts. It was super fun to dress up as the Incredibles family. We are just the right cast of characters to reflect this funny cartoon fam. And while everyone I saw that night thought I had cut and colored my hair I assure that my loyalty to a costume does not run that deep.

We have been busy and were totally sick of the heat until this past week or so. I got to tap into my creative outlet by making a funny Nutella costume for our favorite babysitter {and friend} Shawna. And of course a Halloween party is just not complete without a puking pumpkin…right? I’ve also enjoyed a few PSL’s {pumpkin spice latte’s} and planning for a few events at church.

We are always at work around here but loving our silly, crazy little life {well most of the time}. You will find me posting most of my creative adventures and family photo’s on Instagram {you can follow me at: everydayvalentine}.

So as the cold weather and time change are settling in {they sort of collided all at once} I’m thankful for a chance to hunker down a little and stay warm under piles of cozy blankets every evening.

Life is a race these days with three littles at home. A breathless race of moving from one thing to the next. We have a one year old baby in our midst and as if that doesn’t keep us busy enough we have had endless vacations, ministry activities, family chats, memory verses, road trips, movies, books, games, eating out, birthdays, packing & unpacking and the taste of summer always on our tongues. Since I last posted it seems that Winter passed the baton to Spring too early and Summer was in the lead before we knew what to do.

Sometimes the race of the school year feels endlessly overwhelming to me. Summer has been a sweet break from that grind. I have been trying to use my phone less. Use my apps and social media less. Play more. Read more. Walk more. Take in life and enjoy my kids {even when they drive me crazy}!

In the rest of Summer…the craziness…and beauty and even the stress of our little life I’m thanking my sweet Jesus for it all.

Ten on Ten brought about lots of beauty yesterday despite having a sick boy at home. It was a warm & sunny March day dripping with blossoms, being BRAVE at MOPS, a baby, toys, a trampoline, pj’s and the hope of Spring! I truly loves seeing our world through this project every month. Paigey must like it too because she remarked with a smile {as I was taking pictures in the morning} … “Is it already ten on ten again mommy?” Our girl is too cute and acting very grown up these days!